What can cause olfactory dysfunction?
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Do you have many patients with a degree of permanent loss of smell, or is it far more common for it to return to normal levels? Is it still the disease process keeping the sense of smell weak, or is it from neuronal loss that must recover? Sometimes smell increases for a few minutes, but then gets weak again.
Please give suggestions.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
The olfactory dysfunction associated with chronic rhinosinusitis is more likely to improve and has a better prognosis than those associated with other causes like trauma or post viral or postsurgical. Because olfactory nerve endings are more likely to be intact, and once the associated inflammation is controlled, significant functional recovery is expected. However, some degree of neuronal injury cannot be ruled out entirely. But even then, olfactory neurons have the capability of regenerating and can restore functioning. In this scenario, what becomes important is olfactory retraining. Consciously seeking known tastes and smells often helps in improving functionality. I hope you find it helpful.
Kind regards.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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